Ferrum BROEN Network Streaming Transport (Pre-Order)

BROEN By Ferrum

With BROEN we have created a truly unique streaming proposition following all of Ferrum’s core values. Like we did with HYPSOS, BROEN’s design starts at the very beginning of any digital transport, a sequence of zeros and ones and keeps it as clean as it possibly can. From beginning to end.

Developed as a premium network streaming transport, BROEN operates exclusively in the digital domain, providing a clean and precise digital signal path while offering flexible connectivity, intuitive operation, and extensive streaming support.

This meant going back to the digital drawing board and creating a new digital heart for BROEN, called SERCE DDC. While keeping the in- and output domains perfectly separated and the audio outputs isolated, BROEN uses galvanically isolated audio outputs and ultra-low jitter audio clocks to preserve signal integrity throughout the entire playback chain. We also introduced an SFP socket to give our community the ultimate choice in digital connectivity, offering wireless as standard, plus electrical (RJ45 ethernet) and optical (SFP) options for communication with the home network. An SFP module for connecting an Ethernet cable is supplied with BROEN as part of the package. Supporting the most relevant streaming options, we also offer an internal SSD slot for physical storage of your music files. Last but not least BROEN is expandable with WANDLA to create the ultimate streaming DAC combo and upgradable with HYPSOS.

Made for Streaming

BROEN is Powered by Volumio. This means you get full access to the Volumio streaming ecosystem, loved by more than half a million users, with Spotify & Spotify Connect, TIDAL & TIDAL Connect, Qobuz & Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, UPnP/DLNA renderer, web radios, CD playback, multi-room playback, AI-powered SuperSearch, Infinity Playback, and extended album/artist metadata.

Made for HYPSOS

BROEN performs beautifully right out of the box, but you can take its performance above and beyond when pairing it with HYPSOS. Using the proprietary Ferrum Power Link (FPL) connection with 4TSD voltage sensing, both components communicate to maximize electrical performance and perform to their absolute maximum, unleashing unheard-of musicality. (FPL sold separately)

Made for WANDLA

While you can control BROEN perfectly from your smartphone, tablet and computer, BROEN seamlessly integrates with WANDLA using our FSCT. When connected via USB, artist information, album details, title information, and playback status will be displayed on WANDLA’s screen and can be controlled with a finger’s touch on WANDLA’s screen or remote.

Together, BROEN and WANDLA create a fully integrated streaming DAC and preamplifier solution, optimized specifically to work together as a single Ferrum ecosystem.

Made for the Future

With BROEN you get over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, and a plugin capable platform that allows new functionality to be added over time. Apart from including an internal SSD slot, we’ve added an SFP slot where you have the option of using a standard SFP ethernet module or an SFP optical module to connect to an SFP switch keeping noise to an absolute minimum when connecting to the outside world. These features will keep BROEN up to date and future proof for many more years to come.

BROEN’s front panel has also been developed with simplicity and ease of use in mind, providing intuitive day-to-day operation while allowing listeners to spend less time navigating menus and more time enjoying music.

With BROEN you get abundant options to connect your digital streaming sources to the digital output of your preference, be it AES/EBU, S/PDIF coaxial, S/PDIF optical, I2S and USB (A+C). For connection with your home network we offer Wi-Fi per standard and RJ45 ethernet or SFP digital as optional. We even offer an on screen display output.

Combining BROEN with WANDLA opens a true Streaming Pandora’s Box. With support of our Ferrum Streaming Control Technology WANDLA enables the ultimate way of controlling BROEN via it’s touchscreen and remote. Furthermore this combination elevates BROEN to a flagship level streaming proposition, giving its users the best Ferrum has to offer today.

BROEN comes with a carefully selected DC power adapter. To get the most out of BROEN you can connect it with HYPSOS using our proprietary Ferrum Power Link DC power cable. This FPL cable can be ordered separately.

BROEN network streaming transport:

• New SERCE Digital to Digital module
• Ferrum Streaming Control Technology support
• Ultra Low Jitter Audio Clocks
• Galvanically Isolated Outputs
• Wi-Fi connectivity
• Modular SFP ethernet and optical networking support
• RJ45 Ethernet SFP module supplied
• Multiple Playback Sources
• Internal M.2 NVMe SSD slot
• Powered by Volumio
• Spotify Connect, TIDAL Connect, Qobuz Connect, AirPlay, and UPnP/DLNA renderer
• Internet radio, CD playback, and multi-room playback
• AI-powered SuperSearch and Infinity Playback
• Plugin-capable platform
• Expandable with WANDLA to create unique Ferrum streaming DAC combo
• Always up to date with OTA updates
• Upgradable with HYPSOS Hybrid Power System for flagship level performance

Specifications

Streaming and playback

• Powered by Volumio – full streaming ecosystem
• Control via iOS/Android app, any web browser (full control) or front-panel buttons (basic playback control)
• Supported formats: MP3, WMA, AAC, ALAC, FLAC, APE, WAV, DSD
• Streaming services: Spotify & Spotify Connect, TIDAL & TIDAL Connect, Qobuz & Qobuz Connect
• AirPlay via Shairport Sync
• UPnP/DLNA renderer
• Integrated web radio directories
• CD playback and ripping
• Bluetooth A2DP playback
• Streaming to Sonos and Chromecast
• Playback from USB drives, internal M.2 NVMe SSD, or NAS (DLNA)
• Multi-room playback (up to 6 synchronized zones)
• AI-powered SuperSearch & Infinity Playback
• Album & artist stories, extended metadata
• Multi-language support (29 languages)
• Alarm and sleep function

Connectivity (General/Setup)

• SFP socket for RJ45 ethernet or fiber optic modules; RJ45 Ethernet SFP module supplied
• Dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4/5G)
• Hotspot mode for easy first-time setup
• 2× USB 3.0 (Type-A & Type-C) for media drives and service
• Internal M.2 NVMe SSD slot (user-supplied, 80 or 110 mm; drive not included)
• HDMI video output for screen display and system interface

Connectivity (Audio)

• S/PDIF (Coaxial)
• AES/EBU
• S/PDIF (Optical)
• I2S (HDMI, configurable pinout)
• 2× dedicated USB DAC outputs (Type-A & Type-C)
  

Integration & Compatibility

• Ferrum Streaming Control Technology™ support
• USB integration with WANDLA for touchscreen and remote control
• Artist information, album details, and playback status display on compatible WANDLA DACs
• Trigger in/out
• Perfect synergy with Ferrum DACs (WANDLA, ERCO)
• Broad compatibility with third-party DACs
• OTA firmware update capability
• HYPSOS compatibility via Ferrum Power Link with 4TSD voltage sensing

Design & Performance

• Operating exclusively in the digital domain as a dedicated network streaming transport
• Based on Volumio for input/streaming domain
• SERCE DDC module as output stage – tuned specifically for digital-to-digital converting (DDC) operation with FPGA-based reclocking
• Ultra-low jitter audio clocks on synchronous outputs (Coaxial, Optical, AES, I2S)
• Clear separation of domains:
  • Input domain (streaming & control)
  • Output domain: synchronous outputs via SERCE DDC or USB DAC output

• All audio outputs placed behind a galvanic isolation barrier (covers synchronous outputs and USB DAC outputs)
• Clean power supply with dedicated VBUS for USB DAC
• Front panel designed for simple day-to-day operation

General

• Dimensions: 21.7 x 20.6 x 5 cm / 8.6″ x 8.1″ x 2.0″ (WxDxH)
• Weight: 1.90 kg / 4.19 lb